Technological Leadership of Turkish Secondary School Administrators According to ISTE Standards

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 3, 817 - 866, 28.09.2025

Nuh Yavuzalp , Duygu Kartal İncebacak

https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1631148

Abstract

In educational institutions, school administrators play an important leadership role in the effective and efficient implementation of technology integration. The standards developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) provide a comprehensive framework to guide administrators in this area. This study aims to assess technological leadership characteristics of 33 public secondary school administrators in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey based on ISTE standards. The data collected through a semi-structured interview form were analyzed using a case study approach. The findings, presented in a narrative synthesis under four main themes (technological structure, technological competencies, technological leadership and technological resources), were discussed within the framework of ISTE standards, revealing the factors that shape the leadership roles of school administrators.
The results indicate significant tensions between the centrally provided technological infrastructure and its practical implementation, as well as a notable gap between strategic planning and on-the-ground application. Furthermore, teachers' varying competencies and the need for differentiated professional development were identified as critical elements for effective technology leadership. The study suggests that to enhance success, administrators must bridge the gap between planning and practice and foster a supportive school culture for all stakeholders.

Keywords

ISTE standards , technological leadership , school administrator , competence

Ethical Statement

Within the scope of the research, approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the relevant university (Protocol No. 2023/209). Participants were asked to fill out informed consent forms before the interview and participation was carried out on a voluntary basis.

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